My new life

I made some mistakes last week:

1.       I wore TOMS when I should have worn rain boots and rain boots when I should have worn TOMS.

2.       I ordered mac ‘n’ cheese at the Red Robin when they were all out.

3.       I let people ruin my week who won’t matter after I graduate.

Some of the things I learned last week:

1.       Accurately monitor the weather forecast while living in Washington

2.       Always have a well thought out backup plan when ordering at a restaurant (my mac ‘n’ cheese alternative was a burger with things I hate on it. TALK ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT!)

3.       No one should control my happiness.

I also learned that we learn lessons too late. Many of these could have been avoided if I had slowed down and checked the weather, checked the menu, or checked with God. Huh, funny right? In our fast-paced world, we make brash decisions that hurt us in the future. Imagine if life slowed down a little. If we didn’t have 30 million things to do, voices we’re listening too, and expectations we think we have, would we make different choices? I would.

Tomorrow marks a change in my life. Life really can’t slow down, but my perspective can. I won’t wear my TOMS to impress others (which is kind of what I did), I’ll consider my meal orders to make sure I get what I want, and I won’t let anyone determine my level of happiness, that’s between me and God. You should adopt that philosophy too. The first time I can ever remember hearing this advice was watching The Princess Diaries when Joe informs Mia that:

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt knew that no one would determine her happiness

and no one will determine mine.

(I realize that this is more of a New Year's Resolution post, but I didn't have this epiphany until just now)

The things shoes have endured

Chances are someone has told you to walk a day in their shoes, that person’s shoes, someone else’s shoes, etc. If you had to literally walk in my shoes, you’d be pretty lucky considering I basically wear TOMS and Converse every day, I value comfort. But, if you figuratively walked in my shoes, it wouldn’t always be comfy. That’s not to say that I have a hard life, but I’m 18 years old, trying to plan my future, and be present in my day-to-day life. I know, that’s nothing compared to what the rest of the world has going on, but each person’s journey is filled with hard-ships that are monumental to them. My shoes have been soaked in tears, caked in the mud of trials, dusted with the laughter of friends, and worn out by the adventures of life. Think about what your shoes have endured and where they could take you.